Where oh where to go
Mar 31st, 2012, 08:45 AM
#1
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Where oh where to go
We are two women who have done a lot of traveling in Europe by car, usually in November. We have really lucked out with weather on all of the trips and are now trying to decide where to go next. Our choices are Portugal (never been there), Italy doing Milan, Tuscany and possibly Cinque Terra and flying out of Florence OR Bavaria/Alsace area.
I think the weather would be better in Portugal, Italy - OK weather but Bavaria/Alsace probably much colder and rainy. We lean to Bavaria but was hoping for some opinions from people who have been there that time of year. We have 10-14 days about the middle of the month. We come home before Thanksgiving.
I know there were mudslides in Cinque Terra Italy, but we figure we would be helpling the economy if we go. I'm asking for a vote here folks. What do you think?
I think the weather would be better in Portugal, Italy - OK weather but Bavaria/Alsace probably much colder and rainy. We lean to Bavaria but was hoping for some opinions from people who have been there that time of year. We have 10-14 days about the middle of the month. We come home before Thanksgiving.
I know there were mudslides in Cinque Terra Italy, but we figure we would be helpling the economy if we go. I'm asking for a vote here folks. What do you think?
Mar 31st, 2012, 08:59 AM
#2
frankly in November I'd be inclined to go further south to Sicily, or even Malta. you might be lucky in Germany, but then again you might not, whereas Sicily is much more likely to be warm/er.
As for the CT, it was the end of October last year when they had the terrible floods. that's not to say of course that it would happen again, but it could be cold and wet.
As for the CT, it was the end of October last year when they had the terrible floods. that's not to say of course that it would happen again, but it could be cold and wet.
Mar 31st, 2012, 09:03 AM
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I am in Bavaria all year, and I would rather shoot myself in the foot than take 2 weeks off to spend them here in November.
You can always get lucky with sunny, and warmer-than-normal weather, but from an overall perspective November is probably the most ghastly month of all (and usually most December as well).
You can always get lucky with sunny, and warmer-than-normal weather, but from an overall perspective November is probably the most ghastly month of all (and usually most December as well).
Mar 31st, 2012, 09:05 AM
#4
I've enjoyed warm 18-24C days in portugal and found the people very friendly. Lisbon, Evora, Porto, Faro, Tavira and the Alentejo are worth a good visit.
I've been in Alsace and Bavaria in November (can be sunny but not warm)
Italy, as Annhig says
I've been in Alsace and Bavaria in November (can be sunny but not warm)
Italy, as Annhig says
Mar 31st, 2012, 09:19 AM
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We have spent nov/dec in Bavaria time after time. The weather is just part of the experience. With the alps, the snow, the Christmas markets it is magic to us. Maybe if I was like Cowboy and lived there all the time it would be different. I'm sure there is a lot to be said for the areas in the south but my vote is for BVaria.
Mar 31st, 2012, 09:42 AM
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I would do Bavaria - but I'm used to real winters and I enjoy chilly weather - and don't melt if it rains. Bavaria certainly won't be any colder than NY that time of year.
Portugal will probably be warmer - but can still be chilly and rainy. But I've been there twice, seen what intersted me - and didn't have a whole lot more things on my list (Frankly, I find parts of it kind of sad and thrid world - and wouldn't go except for the beach in summer.)
Portugal will probably be warmer - but can still be chilly and rainy. But I've been there twice, seen what intersted me - and didn't have a whole lot more things on my list (Frankly, I find parts of it kind of sad and thrid world - and wouldn't go except for the beach in summer.)
Mar 31st, 2012, 09:57 AM
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Well, we are from Michigan so we know cold. NYTraveler - your thoughts on Portugal are what my preconcerived ideas were. We did think of combining a trip to Gibralter with Portugal. I know it is touristy, but we are tourists after all.
We are leaning towards Bavaria but have to do more research. We will also pray to the weather gods.
We are leaning towards Bavaria but have to do more research. We will also pray to the weather gods.
Mar 31st, 2012, 10:27 AM
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Hi rfbk50,
I also live in Bavaria, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen; I moved here in 2008.
For the past two years, we've had our first dump of snow in October, but naturally it doesn't stay. Whether it is cold or warm or wet or dry really is anybody's guess. I can say with some certainty that there won't be snow on the ground in the towns and villages. Also, the Christmas markets aren't up until the First Advent, which is the very end of Nov/beginning of Dec.
November really is in-between weather. It won't be warm as September and early October can be, and it won't be wintertime either. Likely it will be wet.
You may be amused to find that the damp and cold don't stop the local folks from enjoying the outdoors -- cafe owners just put blankets on the outside chairs, and folks enjoy the fresh air and the views.
Good luck as you make this decision!
s
I also live in Bavaria, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen; I moved here in 2008.
For the past two years, we've had our first dump of snow in October, but naturally it doesn't stay. Whether it is cold or warm or wet or dry really is anybody's guess. I can say with some certainty that there won't be snow on the ground in the towns and villages. Also, the Christmas markets aren't up until the First Advent, which is the very end of Nov/beginning of Dec.
November really is in-between weather. It won't be warm as September and early October can be, and it won't be wintertime either. Likely it will be wet.
You may be amused to find that the damp and cold don't stop the local folks from enjoying the outdoors -- cafe owners just put blankets on the outside chairs, and folks enjoy the fresh air and the views.
Good luck as you make this decision!
s
Mar 31st, 2012, 10:41 AM
#10
You can always get lucky with sunny, and warmer-than-normal weather, but from an overall perspective November is probably the most ghastly month of all (and usually most December as well).>>
Bavaria sounds like cornwall in November!
rfbk - as I'm sure you realise, being at home in c...p weather is very different to being on holiday, especially with a small child in tow. i can't see the advantage of going away to somewhere which at that time of year the locals would rather leave!
Bavaria sounds like cornwall in November!
rfbk - as I'm sure you realise, being at home in c...p weather is very different to being on holiday, especially with a small child in tow. i can't see the advantage of going away to somewhere which at that time of year the locals would rather leave!
Mar 31st, 2012, 10:48 AM
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The Alsace and Bavaria is much like New England that time of year....it's variable and can change on a dime. I've been in Northern Portugal/Spain in November as well and yes it is warmer...not beach weather warm,. So it's really about what you prefer. I like the crisp Fall weather of central Europe, so I would vote for the Alsace/Bavaria....drive the romantic road, Lucerne, Black Forest, Baden-Baden, cross the border to Strassburg....check out the potteries in Souflenheim...sounds relaxing to me!
Mar 31st, 2012, 05:23 PM
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annhig.. I hope you have better weather in November in Cornwall than in Bavaria! It may be as wet and damp, but you have deduct 5C here.
In addition, while swandav may enjoy sometimes sunny days at Garmisch' higher elevation, the major part of Bavaria is "enjoying" all day fogs on a dry day and rain otherwise.
It's not cold as a Michigan winter, temperatures will usually be above freezing, often around 10C. It's the rain. Constant rain. Every day rain. Not that maritime rain and shine ever changing weather. Constant cold rain, easily several days in a row, day and night. Trees are dead. Flowers are dead. Usually no snow. That kind of weather that makes you understand why monks started to destill schnapps.
At least this local is NOT enjoying that month.
In addition, while swandav may enjoy sometimes sunny days at Garmisch' higher elevation, the major part of Bavaria is "enjoying" all day fogs on a dry day and rain otherwise.
It's not cold as a Michigan winter, temperatures will usually be above freezing, often around 10C. It's the rain. Constant rain. Every day rain. Not that maritime rain and shine ever changing weather. Constant cold rain, easily several days in a row, day and night. Trees are dead. Flowers are dead. Usually no snow. That kind of weather that makes you understand why monks started to destill schnapps.
At least this local is NOT enjoying that month.
Jul 13th, 2012, 12:59 PM
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Well after some thought, we decided on Italy again. We will spend 7 days at an agriturismo in Tuscany, at Cretiaole. We stayed there before and wanted to go back again to enjoy the pasta class, olive oil class and this year, truffle hunting. Then on to Cinque Terre for 3 nights, then 4 nights in an apartment in Lucca taking two cooking classes. Now I'm just waiting for the airfare to come down a bit and start my vacation countdown. Yahoo, pasta and wine here we come.
Jul 13th, 2012, 01:54 PM
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rtbk50 - sounds like a nice relaxing holiday - try and find accommodation that is easily accessible - not on a high hilltop or an unasphalted mud road, as it would not be easy to drive in case of rainfall,
I guess it would be a real strike of bad luck if Liguria, God forbid, had to experience flooding and again have so much damage done to many of its towns, villages, coast, etc as happened last year - hopefully the Italian Govt. has thought of better drainage systems to lessen the risk. Apparently as we had read in the news last year, there was heavy excessive rainfall in other regions north of Liguria, and due to this many localities in Liguria resulted in being flooded as they could not cope with it.
I have never been to CT, but when I researched I have often read that many hotels, restaurants, etc are closed after the Summer season, but I am sure you would be able to find some nice accomodation that stays open all year, if you don't mind some peace and quiet and prefer to stay away from hoards of toursists of the peak season. I am sure that it would be really lovely if you get the nice weather. Make sure that accomodation provides half board accomodation or else check that there would be restaurants in the vicinity which open at that time of year. I think there are a few Fodorites here that live in Liguria or are very familiar with the area, and would sure be willing to be of to you.
The agriturismo in Tuscany does look really lovely. Since you have stayed there before, I am sure you well know whether it is easily accessible to reach it.
I don't mean to be too cautious, but November in many countries in Europe, including Italy, is a rainy month, often much more than the month of December. But I guess nobody can predict the weather - it might be the sunniest month - and it would not deter me from having a holiday for sure - and as you mentioned, you are experienced travellers who have taken holidays by car in November, so that sure helps!!
Enjoy your holiday in Italy, especially the pasta, good wine, and Italian way of life!!!
I guess it would be a real strike of bad luck if Liguria, God forbid, had to experience flooding and again have so much damage done to many of its towns, villages, coast, etc as happened last year - hopefully the Italian Govt. has thought of better drainage systems to lessen the risk. Apparently as we had read in the news last year, there was heavy excessive rainfall in other regions north of Liguria, and due to this many localities in Liguria resulted in being flooded as they could not cope with it.
I have never been to CT, but when I researched I have often read that many hotels, restaurants, etc are closed after the Summer season, but I am sure you would be able to find some nice accomodation that stays open all year, if you don't mind some peace and quiet and prefer to stay away from hoards of toursists of the peak season. I am sure that it would be really lovely if you get the nice weather. Make sure that accomodation provides half board accomodation or else check that there would be restaurants in the vicinity which open at that time of year. I think there are a few Fodorites here that live in Liguria or are very familiar with the area, and would sure be willing to be of to you.
The agriturismo in Tuscany does look really lovely. Since you have stayed there before, I am sure you well know whether it is easily accessible to reach it.
I don't mean to be too cautious, but November in many countries in Europe, including Italy, is a rainy month, often much more than the month of December. But I guess nobody can predict the weather - it might be the sunniest month - and it would not deter me from having a holiday for sure - and as you mentioned, you are experienced travellers who have taken holidays by car in November, so that sure helps!!
Enjoy your holiday in Italy, especially the pasta, good wine, and Italian way of life!!!
Jul 13th, 2012, 03:26 PM
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November is the month we usually travel and, so far, have been to Ireland (2), England, Spain, Italy, France (2) and the weather gods have been kind to us. I have already reserved the apartments and the hotel in the Cinque terre. Roads are a challenge I love. I drove on the Amalfi coast and in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a real hoot. Not paved , over mountains and no street signs.
I do remember one terribly rainy night in Spain, in one of the white washed mountain villages, Iznajar. We were in a small B & B, Rural El Olivar, and met a couple from England. We decided to drive to the village grocer, got some eggs and ham and wine, and went back and used the communal kitchen and had a nice cozy dinner and chat. We had to do some driving maneuvers, but it was fun.
I'm laughing to myself because I can think of two other rainy days on trips. Venice, when we got excited to hear the bell ring because the aqua alta floods were coming. We had a good time walking on the table tops in St Marks Square. The other time was in Brighton, England. There was a gale storm going on as we had tea and scones at a waterfront hotel. The bellboys were jamming towels under the door to stop the rain from flooding the dining room. We had to make our way back to the train station, which was up a hill. The rain was coming down in torrents and when we asked a shopkeeper how much further to the station, in typical English fashion, was told, "Oh, just a short bit away". Well, 1 1/2 miles later we got to the station. They had been working on the roof in the station, so it was even raining inside the station.
I firmly believe that the not so great motel, the rainy day, the crazy toilets and getting lost is what makes the memories you don't forget and what gives you something to laugh about long after the trip is over.
I do remember one terribly rainy night in Spain, in one of the white washed mountain villages, Iznajar. We were in a small B & B, Rural El Olivar, and met a couple from England. We decided to drive to the village grocer, got some eggs and ham and wine, and went back and used the communal kitchen and had a nice cozy dinner and chat. We had to do some driving maneuvers, but it was fun.
I'm laughing to myself because I can think of two other rainy days on trips. Venice, when we got excited to hear the bell ring because the aqua alta floods were coming. We had a good time walking on the table tops in St Marks Square. The other time was in Brighton, England. There was a gale storm going on as we had tea and scones at a waterfront hotel. The bellboys were jamming towels under the door to stop the rain from flooding the dining room. We had to make our way back to the train station, which was up a hill. The rain was coming down in torrents and when we asked a shopkeeper how much further to the station, in typical English fashion, was told, "Oh, just a short bit away". Well, 1 1/2 miles later we got to the station. They had been working on the roof in the station, so it was even raining inside the station.
I firmly believe that the not so great motel, the rainy day, the crazy toilets and getting lost is what makes the memories you don't forget and what gives you something to laugh about long after the trip is over.
